Composition for retarding plant growth



United States Patent Ofifice 7 3,476,545 COMPOSITION FOR RETARDING PLANT GROWTH Giinther Mohr and Dietrich Erdmann, Darmstadt, Konrad Niethammer, Traisa, and Siegmund Lust, Gerhart Schneider, and Ernst Jacobi, Darmstadt, Germany, assignors to E. Merck A.G., Darmstadt, Germany No Drawing. Filed Nov. 19, 1965, Ser. No. 508,835 Claims priority, application Germany, Nov. 27, 1964, M 63,287; Mar. 13, 1965, M 64,518 Int. Cl. A01n 9/20, 9/24; C07c 69/76 Us. (:1. 71-76 13 Claims This invention relates to the application of chemicals l to plants, and in particular to such chemicals which function .as morpho-regulators, i.e. agents which influence plant development in a histological-anatomic and morphological manner,

One object of this invention, therefore, is to provide a method of effecting morpho-regulatory activity in plants. Another object is to provide compositions in solid or liquid form for effecting morpho-regulatory activity in plants consisting of novel chemical compounds and usual carrier materials.

A still further object is to provide novel chemical compounds and processes for their production.

Upon further study of the specification and appended claims, other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent.

To attain the objects of this invention, there are provided agents containing one or more fluorener9-carboxylic acid derivatives of Formula I, as follows:

Bo d,

a COZ wherein R and R being identical or different, each represents H, Cl, Br, or I; R is H, OH, or'Cl, and Z is NH-NH Wherein R represents a straight or branched, monoor poly-unsaturated alkenyl or alkynyl residue of at most 6 carbon atoms and containing preferably 1-2 un- 'stituted by 1-3 halogen atoms or hydroxy groups or methylene dioxy; or

A substituted ammonium cation derived from an aliphatic or cycloaliphatic amine containing 1-22 carbon atoms whose hydrocarbon chain(s) are interrupted, if desired, by 14 O- and/or --NH- moieties, and/or are substituted, if desired, by 1-4 OH- and/or NH;- groups, and R is H, OH, or Cl; with the provision that R R and R are not to represent H at the same time.

These substances can be employed, if desired, in mixture with herbicidally effective and/ or growth-regulating substances.

3,476,545 Patented Nov. 4, 1969 The plant morpho-regulatory activity probably takes place by an intervention into the cell division and cell determination, The novel agents are absorbed into the plant and transported therein in a basipetal and acropetal manner to the formative tissue (meristemes). There, the agents have a prolonged influence on the tissue and organ formation and thus chiefly upon the new growth of the. plant after the treatment. Particularly, they lead to dwarfing of the treated plants, even at an extraordinarily low" concentration, and Without toxic side effects. However, in addition to this general inhibition of development, there were also observed organ regressions, organ metamorphoses, organ deficiencies, and also new formations of organs.

The active substances in'the agents according to the invention exhibit their morpho-regulatory effect in extrerne dilutions, for example, already in the range of 0.01 to,,100 ppm. (parts per million). The active substances are normally not phytotoxic, or only to a slight extent, so that their morpho-regulatory activity extends over a very wide range of concentration.

The deformations caused by the novel agents are observed at various parts of the plant. For example, in leaves and petals there is found a reduction of arrangement of the leaf spread (e.g. feathery leaves are not divided, serrated ones become smooth-edged), often leading to a complete loss of spread (e.g., spreadless stems, leaf stem rudiments) and furthermore suppression of leaf formation as well as leaf transformations or leaf intergrowth. Not infrequently, there is also found an earlier or increased formation of flower buds, and in addition flower-leaf formation and flower perfoliation, as well aspremature or also retarded development of other organs. On the sprouting axils of the plants, there have likewise been observed the most varying anomalies in development.

Deviations in development likewise occur at the roots, for example, an increased branching of the roots and/ or a thickening of the roots.

Furthermore, numerou other effects can be obtained upon plants with the novel agents according to the invention, for example increased formation of chlorophyll, parthenocarpic fruit formation, as well as interruption of the seed rest of plant seeds with endogenic germination delay. The active materials furthermore often influence the water metabolism of plants.

The novel agents according to the invention are thus eminently suited for a general control or a special regulation of the plant development. Moreover, they are also applicable, particularly in combination with herbicidally effective and/or growth-regulating substances, for combating undesirable plant growth.

Herbicidally effective substances, in this connection, are to be understood to be not only the directly phytotoxically effective substances, but also growth promoting herbicides. Such growth promoting herbicides are, for example, substituted phenoxyalkane carboxylic acids and the derivatives thereof, such as 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxy-acetic or 2,4,5- trichlorophenoxy-acetic acid, 2,4-dichlorophenoxy-propionic acid, 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxy-propionic acid, 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxy-propionic acid, (2,4-dichlorophenoxy)-butyric acid, (2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxy)-butyric acid, as well as the salts and esters thereof; substituted benzoic acids and other aryl carboxylic acids, as well as arylalkane carboxylic acids, and the derivatives thereof, such as 2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid, 2,3,6-trichlorobenzoic acid, 2-methoxy-3,6-dichlorobenzoic acid or 2,3,6-trichlorophenyl-acetic acid; substituted benzonitriles, such as 2,6- dichlorobenzonitrile, 3,5 diiodo-4-hydroxybenzonitrile; and aryl-phthalamic acids and the derivatives thereof, such as N-naphthyl-(l)-phthalamic acid.

Furthermore suitable are herbicides without any growth promoting character, for example substituted phenylurea derivatives, such as 3-(p-chlorophenyl)-l,l-dimethyl urea; 3-(3,4' dichlorophenyl)-1,l-dimethyl urea; N phenylcarbamic acid and the derivatives thereof, such as N- phenyl-carbamic acid isopropyl ester and N-3-chlorophenyl-carbamic acid isopropyl ester; triazole and triazine derivatives, such as 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole, 2-chloro- 4,6-bis-ethylamino-1,3,5-triazine, 2-chloro-4-ethylamino- 6-isopropylamino-1,3,5-triazine, 2-chloro-4,6-bis-isopropylamino-1,3,5-triazine; and halogenated fatty acids and derivatives, such as trichloroacetic acid and 2,2-dichloropropionic acid; maleic acid hydrazide and the derivatives thereof.

Growth-regulating substances can also be utilized, such as, for example, indole-3-alkane-carboxylic acids and their derivatives, such as fl-indolyl-butyric acid; gibberellin and its derivatives, such as gibberellinic acid (Gibberellin A 3); kinines and their derivatives, such as 6-(L-furfuryl)- amino-purine (kinetine). In the same manner, growth-inhibiting quaternary nitrogen compounds can be employed, such as B-chloroethyltrimethyl ammonium chloride, (4- hydroxy-S-isopropyl-Z-methylphenyl)-trimethyl ammonium chloride or [5 isopropyl-2-methyl-4-(piperidinocarbonyloxy)-phenyl]-trimethyl ammonium chloride; 1, 1'-ethylene-Z,2-dipyridinium-di-bromide, as well as 1,1- dimethyl-4,4-dipyridinium-dimethyl sulfate. Still further, aryl-boric acids and the derivatives thereof, such as phenyl-boric acid; and other distinctive growth stimulants, such as urea and purine derivatives can be used.

When the agents of the invention are to be employed as herbicides, there are preferably used such substances containing, in addition to one or several fluorene-9-carboxylic acid derivatives of Formula I, one or several growth promoting herbicides from the group of the substituted phenoxy-alkane carboxylic acids, or the derivatives thereof, or a substituted benzonitrile, for example 3,5-diiodo-4-hydroxy-benzonitrile.

Particularly advantageous are such mixtures of the novel amine salts With alkali or amine salts or ester derivatives of the known phenoxy-alkane carboxylic acids, particularly 2-methyl-4-chloro-, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, and 2,4-dichloroand 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxy-propionic acid, as well as the sodium salts and the butyl and isooctyl esters of these compounds. A particularly favorable effect wa obtained when employing mixtures of the novel amine salts with maleic acid hydrazide and 3,5-diiodo-4-hydroxybenzonitrile.

Advantageously, in such combinations, the fluorene derivatives and one or several herbicidally effective substances, and/or one or several growth-regulating substances, are contained in a weight proportion of 1:50 to 1:1, preferably 1:9 to 1:3.

The active substances of the agents of the invention are previously unknown substances. The most important representatives of the novel effective agents are derivatives of 9-fluorenol-9-carboxylic acid, of 2-chloro-9-fluorenol-9- carboxylic acid, of 2,7-dichloro-9-fluorenol-9-carboxylic acid, and of 9-chloro-fiuorene-9-carboxylic acid. However, good success was also achieved with the corresponding bromine and iodine compounds. Of importance are furthermore the 2-halogeno or 2,7-dihalogeno-9-fluorenol-9- carboxylic acid anilide, the derivatives thereof substituted in the phenyl residue by OH and/ or Cl, as well as the 9- fluorenol-9-carboxylic acid hydrazide. Also these compounds can additionally be substituted in the 2- and/ or 7- position by halogen, preferably by chlorine.

The residue R in the esters of the various fiuorenea9- carboxylic acids can be, for example, an alkenyl or alkynyl residue. The alkenyl residue can contain one or more double bonds, but in general no more than two. Preferred alkenyl residues are, for example, vinyl, allyl, butenyl, butadienyl, pentenyl, pentadienyl, hexenyl, and hexadienyl. Preferred alkynyl residues are ethynyl, propargyl, or 2- or 3-butynyl. Also these residues can be monoor poly-substituted by OH and/or halogen, preferably chlo- 4 rine. Normally, the alkenyl or alkynyl residue R however, does not contain more than 1-2 hydroxy groups or l-2 chlorine atoms.

R can furthermore represent an alkyl residue of 2-12 carbon atoms whose alkyl chain is interrupted by. oxygen and/or sulfur atoms and which can,- if desired, additionally contain 1-3 hydroxy groups or halogen atoms, preferably chlorine atoms, or phenyl, or naphthyl, or phenyl or naphthyl substituted by 1 or 3 hydroxy groups or halogen atoms, preferably chlorine atoms, or methylene dioxy. The alkyl residues between the O and/or S atoms generally contain no more than 6 carbon atoms. In total, the residue R contains at most 2 sulfur and/or 4 oxygen atoms.

R, can also be a substituted alkyl group of 1-12 carbon atoms. Substituents to be considered are, for example, 1-3 hydroxy groups, at most 4 halogen atoms (preferably chlorine) .or 1 or 2 aryl groups (preferably phenyl groups). These substituents can, in turn, be substituted by 1-3 hydroxy groups or halogen atoms, or by methylene dioxy. Finally, R; can be an aromatic o1- cycloaliphatic residue substituted by l-3 halogen atoms (preferably chlorine) or hydroxy groups, or methylene dioxy. Aromatic residues are preferably phenyl and naphthyl, and cycloaliphatic residues are preferably cyclopentyl and cyclohexyl.

R, can, however, likewise be a substituted ammonium cation derived from an aliphatic or cycloaliphatic amine containing 1-22 carbon. atoms whose hydrocarbon chain(s) are, if desired, interrupted by O or NH and/or substituted by OH or NH groups.

The aliphatic or cycloaliphatic amines can be primary, secondary or tertiary amines. They are to contain, in total, no more than 22 carbon atoms. The individual hydrogen chains can be straight-chained or branched, and be mono-, di-, or tri-unsaturated. The unsaturated compounds contain preferably onfy double bonds. Insofar as the hydrocarbon chain(s) are interrupted by O or NH and/or substituted by OH or NH groups, there should not be contained in the amine, in total, more than respectively 4 NH groups and/or 0 atoms, or OH and/or NH groups.

Of particular importance are primary amines having long-chained tertiary alkyl or alkenyl groups, the tertiary carbon atom being preferably immediately adjacent to the nitrogen atom. Mixtures of such amines are commercially available under the name of Primenes.

In detail, the following amines are suitable, for example: mono-, diand trimethylamine; mono-, di-, and triethylamine; mono-, di-, and tripropylamine,-'as well as the isomers thereof having branched chains; mono-, di-, and tributylamine, as Well as the isomers thereof having branched chains, particularly N-tert.-butyland isobutylamine; di-(2-ethylhexyl)-amine; nor tert.-octylamine; bis-tert.-octylamine; decyland isodecylamine (particularly dimethyl-octylamine); dodecylamine, particularly tert.-dodecylamine;

Further amines being of special importance for the present invention are, for example mono di-, and triethanolamine; mono-, di-, and tri-(hydroxypropyl)-amine or mono-, di-, and tri-(hydroxybutyl)-amine in thisconnection, the OH groups can be respectively in the a-, 13-, or 'y-position; N-(3-aminopropyl)-ethanolamine, as well as amines of the formulae C H NH(CH -NH and also cocoanut oil amine or soybean oil amine can be used. Cocoanut oil amine is understood to mean a mixture of preferably primary amines whose saturated hydrocarbon chains contain 618 carbon atoms. Technical sovbean oil amine is a mixture containing predominantly o1eyl-, stearyl-, and cetylamine.

Cycloaliphatic amines are mainly cyclohexylamine an cyclopentylamine. I M Of particular importance, of course, are those amines which are easily obtainable and which are producedin technically sufficient quantities so that they are distinguished by being economical.

In many cases, it is recommended to employ not the individual amines, but mixtures thereof since the longerchained amines in particular are often introduced into commerce in the form of mixtures. Likewise, isomeric amines are not separated in numerous cases, but are sold commercially as mixtures, and used for the production of the novel amine salts.

The following table lists as examples a few of the novel compounds. Involved are such compounds of Formula I wherein Z=OR The novel active substances are obtainable in accord- 55 ment with silver hydroxide. The novel esters can also be 75 obtained conventionally by re-esterification of preferably lower alkyl esters of the fluorene-carboxylic acids.

Also such compounds wherein Z represents can be produced in accordance with known methods. Thus, the hydrazides are obtained, for example, by reacting a lower alkyl ester of the corresponding fluorene-9- carboxylic acid with hydrazine hydrate or sulfate. In place of the esters, it is of course also possible toemploy the corresponding acid chlorides. The anilides, finally, canbe produced, for example, by reacting the corresponding acid chlorides with aniline, or with aniline which has been substituted in the aromatic ring once or twice by halogen (preferably C1) or OH.

Also the novel amine salts are obtainable by conventional processes. These salts can most readily be produced by direct reaction between the free acid and the amine, or between reactive derivatives of the acid and, if desired, acid addition salts of the amine, particularly thehydrochlorides. w

The oil-soluble compounds can be produced preferably directly in suitable oils. For this purpose, the amine is dissolved in the oil and then the corresponding quantity of fluorenol-9-carboxylic acid is added. By this simple mixing process, there occurs a reaction between the amine and the acid in the oil solution. Heating the mixture generally accelerates the reaction, but is not absolutely necessary. In this manner, the desired concentrated oil solutions are obtained which can neither be diluted before use with further amounts of oil, with auxiliary solvents, or with water, or mixed with conventional carriers. The oils to be used in this connection are preferably the commercial types, for example aromatic heavy naphtha, kerosene, xylene, as well as light summer oils (high viscosity oil for automotive lubrication in summer weather) and heating oils.

The novel agents of the invention were tested on Galium aparine in accordance with a seedling-dropping method which has proven to be extensively specific for recognizing the average development activity. 'In this test, young plants of Galium aparine in the early seedleaf stage are treated with a droplet of 0.02 ml. per seedleaf of the active agents dissolved or suspended in water (concentration 0.01%). The thus-treated plants are kept in the greenhouse under a long day (about 10 hours) for three weeks. To evaluate the effects, observations are then made of:

(a) The reduction of the leaf spread.

(lb) The inhibition of the longitudinal growth of the am The morphogenetic modifications become more pronounced as the duration of the test increases. The point at which the effectiveness of the novel agents can be determined is in part extremely low, i.e. the effect can be demonstrated at very low concentrations. I 1

The active agents can be Worked up into all forms of preparations usually employed in conjunction with plant protective agents orplant combating agents. Conventional additives and fillers are used for solids preparations, such as, for example, bole, kaolin, bentonite, ground shale, talc, chalk, dolomite, or kieselguhr.

For liquid formulations, preferred solvents are xylene, solvent naphtha, petroleum, acetone, cyclohexane, dimethyl formamide, dimethyl sulfoxide, -or aliphatic alcohols. Emulsion concentrates produced in this manner can bemarketed as such; Before use, the emulsion concentrates are diluted with water in the usual manner. If agentsgare used containing, as the active substance, substances soluble in water, it is of course possible to employ water as the solvent or diluent for preparing the concentrate. The application can be done by soil treatment in the pre-sowing or pro-germination process, or by plant treatment in the post-germination process, by spraying, pouring, scattering, dusting, or also by rubbing, powdering, injection, infiltration, or soaking of plants or plant parts, such as tubers, bulbs, or seeds, etc.

When the fiuorene-9-carboxylic acid derivatives are formulated as emulsion concentrates, it is preferred to use a total content. of said active material of 5-95, preferably 50% by weight. Likewise, when the -fluorene-9- carboxylic acid derivatives are combined with herbicidal and/or growth-regulating substances, the total content of active substances ranges within these limits.

Since the agents of the invention exhibit such varied effects when applied to plants, and since they can be used, moreover, in conjunction with the diverse active substances influencing plant growth, a wide variety of applications is indicated.

Thus, the novel agents of the invention are particularly suitable for chemical growth attentuation, i.e. f r gently controlling mixed vegetation, at ditch embankments, dams, roadsides, etc. Chemical growth attenuation is also possible with the agents of the invention in all places where a certain ground coverage by plants (shade) must be retained, i.e., where customary herbicides cannot be employed.

The fluorene derivatives of the invention can also be employed for retarding the fioweringtime in case of flowers, or in orchards and vineyards, for protection against frost damage, for delaying the sprouting, for example, of lettuce, or for influencing the ripening time. The compounds are likewise suitable for improving the fruit formation, for thinning the fruit, and for preventing the premature dropping of the fruit. Furthermore, a promotion of the flower formation, or also seedless fruit (parthenocarpy) can be obtained with the agents of the invention.

The novel agents of the invention can also be employed for various purposes combined with herbicides of all types, or with growth-regulating substances. They can serve, for example, as systematically effective herbicidal agents for keeping down plant growth and/or for destroying such plant growth totally or selectively. Of particular importance, there is obtained in this manner an improvement in the eflectiveness of known herbicides against hardy rooted weeds, as well as an improved spectrum in the effectiveness of such herbicides. The excellent effect of the novel agents of the invention is manifest by the fact that it is possible by means of these novel agents to combat dicotyledonous weeds which can hardly be destroyed by the known herbicides, and if at all, only with great difficulties. Such combined agents according to this invention are therefore particularly suitable for combating broadleaved Weeds in cultivated areas of useful monocotyledonus plants.

Without further elaboration, it is believed that one skilled in the art can, using the preceding description, utilize the present invention to its fullest extent. The following preferred specific embodiments are, therefore, to be construed as merely illustrative, and not limitative of the remainder of the specification and claims in any way whatsoever.

(A) PRODUCTION OF THE NOVEL FLUORENE- 9-CARBOXYLIC ACID DERIVATIVES Example 1 t 9-fluorenol-9-carboxylic acid-allyl-ester, M.P. 66-67 C.; 9-fluorenol-9-carboxylic acid-2',3'-dichloroallyl-ester; 9-fluoroenol-9-carboxylic acid-2,3',3'-trichloroallyl-ester,

M.P. 116-118" C.; 9-fluorenol-9-carboxylic acid-propargyl-ester, M.P.

91-92 C.; 9-fluorenol-9-carboxylic acid-isobutenyl-ester, M.P.

1 1 9-fluorenol-9-carboxylic acid-4'-hydroxy-buteny1-(2')- ester, M.P. 63-64 C.; 9-fluorenol-9-carboxylic -acid-4-chloro-butenyl-(2)-ester,

M.P. 92-95 C.; 9-fiuorenol-9-carboxylic acid-4-chloro-butynyl-(2')-ester,

M.P. 80-81 C.; 9-fluorenol-9-carboxylic acid-2'-chloro-butenyl-(2')-ester,

M.P. 98 C.; 9-fluoroenol-9-carboxylic acid-3 -chloro-butenyl- (2' ester, oil; 9-fluorenol-9-carboxylic acid-3-hydroxy-propyl-ester,

M.P. 112-113 C.; 9-fluorenol-9-carboxylic acid-6'-hydroxy-hexyl-ester, M.P.

78-80 C.; 9-fluorenol-9-carboxylic acid-2',2'-dirnethyl-3'-hydroxypropyl-ester, M.P. 86-87 C.; 9-fiuoroenol-9-carboxylic acid-2'-ethoxyethyl-ester, M.P.

'9-fluorenol-9-carboxylic acid-2'-ethoxy-ethoxyethyl-ester,

B.P. 196-197 C./0.02 mm.;

9-fluorenol-9-carboxylic acid-2-butoxyethyl-ester, B.P.

167-171 C./0.04 mm.;

9-fiuorenol-9-carboxylic acid-2'-benzyloxyethyl-ester;

9-fiuorenol-9-earboxylic acid-2'-p-chlorophenoxyethylester, M.P. 106-107 C.;

9-fiuorenol-9-carboxylic acid-phenethyl-ester, M.P.

9-fiuorenol-9-carboxylic acid-fi e-diethoxy-isopropylester, M.P. 52-54 C.;

9-fluorenol-9-carboxylic acid-2',3'- isopropylidenedioxy) propyl-ester, B.P. 210 C./ 0.02 mm.;

9-fluorenol-9-carboxylic acid-2'-chloroethyl-ester, M.P.

9-fluorenol-9-carboxylic acid-6'-chlorohexyl-ester, M.P.

9-fluoren0l-9-carboxylic acid-p-chloroisopropyl-ester, M.P.

9-fluorenol-9-carboxylic acid-cyclohexyl-ester, M.P.

9-fluorenol-9-car-boxylic acid-benzyl-ester, M.P. 83-84 C.;

9-fluorenol-9-carboxylic acid-o-chlorobenzyl-ester, M.P.

9-fluorenol-9-carboxylic acid-m-chlorobenzyl-ester, M.P.

9-fluorenol-9-carboxylic acid-p-chlorobenzyl-ester, M.P.

9-fluorenol-9-carboxylic acid-2',6'-dichlorobenzyl-ester,

M.P. 172-173 C.;

' Z-chloro-9-fluorenol-9-carboxylic acid-allyl-ester, M.P.

' 2-chloro-9-fluorenol-9-carboxylic acid-2',3-dichloroallylester; 2-chloro-9-fluorenol-9-carboxylic acid2',3',3-trichloroallyl-ester; 2-chloro-9-fluorenol-9-carboxylic acid-prop argyl-ester,

B.P. 160-161 C./0.01mm.; 2-chloro-9-fluorenol-9-carboxylic acid-1'-methyl-propynyl-(2)-ester, M.P. 125-131 C.; 2-chloro-9-fiuorenol-9-carboxylic acid-3-chlorobutenylester;

I Z-chlor-9-fluorenol-9-carboxylic acid-2'-hydroxyethyl- 1 2 2-chloro-9-fluorenol-9-carboxylic acid-2-chloroisopropylester, B.P. 167-168 C./0.01mm.;

2,7-dichloro-9-fluorenol-9-carboxylic acid-allyl-ester,

M.P. 247-249 C.;

2,7-dichloro-9-fluorenol-9-carboxylic acid-propargyl-ester,

M.P. 241-243 C.;

2,7 dichloro-9-fiuorenol-9-carboxylic acid-,ti-chloroethylester, M.P. 136-140 C.

Example 2 22.6 g. fluorenol-9-carboxylic acid-9 are dissolved in ml. 1 N NaOH. There are added to this solution under stirring a solution of 16.9 g. silver nitrate in 30 ml. water. The precipitated silver salt is vacuum-filtered, washed in alcohol, and dried. The salt is suspended in 50 ml. dimethyl formamide and there are added dropwise under stirring 12.5 g. methylthio-ethyl chloride to the suspension. The mixture is heated for about 30 minutes to 40-50 C-., then poured into 200 ml. water, and extracted with methylene chloride. The extract isfiltered over charcoal, and the solvent is distilled off. The residue is chromatographed on a silica gel column. There are obtained 10.5 g. 9- fluorenol-9-carboxylic acid-Z-methylthio-ethyl ester, B.P. 186 C./l mm.

Example 3 Example 4 26.3 g. 9-chloro-fluorene-9-carboxylic acid chloride are dissolved in ml. benzene. To this solution, there is added dropwise a solution of 9.4 g. phenol and 8.0 ml. pyridine in 50 ml. benzene. The temperature is maintained at 35 f C. There are added 200 ml. water, the separated benzenic solution is Washed with solution of sodium bicarbonate, and the benzene is distilled off. Theresidue is recrystallized from carbon tetrachloride. There is obtained the 9-chloro-fluorene-9-carboxylic acid phenyl ester, M.P. 118-120 C.

In an analogous manner, there are produced:

9 chlorofluorene-9-carboxylic acid-p-chlorophenyl ester,

M.P. 143-145 C.; 9-chlorofluor'ene-9-carboxy1ic acid-2,6-dichlorophenyl ester, M.P. 113-115 C.

Example 5 30 g. 9-fluorenol-9-carboxylic acid-methyl ester and 30 g. piperonyl alcohol are heated to 150 C. Then, 0.01 g. sodium are added. After a short period of time, the reaction commences, and methanol distills 011. The reaction mixture is maintained at 15 0 C. for 3 hours, then cooled, and dissolved in benzene. The precipitated crystals are recrystallized from benzene. There is thus obtained the 9- fluorenol 9-carboxylic acid-3',4-methylene-dioxy-benzyl ester, M.P. 118-119 C.

Example 6 20 g. 2-chlor0-9-fluorenol-9-carboxylic acid, 10 ml. concentrated sulfuric acid, and 300 ml. allyl alcohol are boiled for 16 hours under reflux. The reaction mixture is concentrated under vacuum, dissolved in ether, and the ether solution is washed with sodium bicarbonate and water, dried, and the solvent is distilled off. The residue is a dark oil which is recrystallized from hexane with charcoal. The melting point of the 2-chloro-9-fluorenol-9-carboxylicacid allyl ester is 94-96 C.

Example 7 15 g. 9-fiuorenol-9-carboxylic acid methyl ester are dissolved in 40 ml. dimethyl formamide, mixed with 20 ml. 75% hydrazine hydrate, and allowed to stand at room temperature for 2 days. Then the reaction mixture is diluted with water, the separated crystals are vacuumfiltered, and a washing step with alcohol is conducted. There is obtained the 9-fluorenol-9-carboxylic acid hydrazide, M.P. 252 C.

Example 8 A solution of 3.1 :g. methyl amine in 30 ml. alcohol is added to a solution of 26 g. 2-chloro'-9=fluorenol-9-carboxylic acid in 500 ml. ether. The methyl amine salt of 2-chloro-9-fluorenol-9-carboxylic acid precipitates first in oily form and crystallizes after a short time. The product is vacuum-filtered and washed with ether.

Example 9 22.6 g. 9-fluorenol-9-carboxylic acid are dissolved in 50 ml. alcohol and mixed with 19.2 g. of a mixture of ten.- butyl amine and tert.-octyl amine. The alcohol is distilled off under reduced pressure. The residual oily salt is soluble in petroleum.

' Example 10 26 g. 2-chloro-9-fluorenol-9-carboxylic acid and 26.5 g. technical soybean oil amine (a mixture of predominantly oleyl, stearyl, and cetyl amine) are mixed with 100 ml. solvent naphtha and ml. dimethyl formamide. A solution is obtained which is processed directly to form an emulsion concentrate by the addition of a customary emulsifier.

Example 11 26 g. 2-ch1oro-9-fiuorenol-9-carboxylic acid and 19.2 g. of a technical mixture of primary amines whose tertiary alkyl groups have 12-18 carbon atoms, are dissolved in 100 ml. solvent naphtha with g. 'alkylol amine sulfonate to form an emulsion concentrate.

Example 12 Analogously to Example 11, the corresponding amine salt is produced from 22.6 kg. 9-fluorenol-9-carboxylic acid and 19.2 kg. of the amine mixture.

Example 13 There are dissolved in 100 ml. xylene:

Dimethyl formamide ml 2 Soybean oil amine -g 27 3,5-diiodo-4-hydroxy-benzonitrile g 18.5 9-fluorenol-9-carboxylic acid g 11.3 Alkylol amine sulfonate g 1 The solution is an emulsion concentrate.

(B) PREPARATION OF COMPOSITIONS FOR APPLICATION TO PLANTS 14 Example 16 Percent 2,7-dichloro-9-fluorenol-9-carboxylic acid-propargylester Alkylnaphthalene sulfonate 0.5

Sulfite waste liquor powder 10 Silicic acid 3 Bole 36.5

Example 17 Percent 9 chloro-fluorene9-carboxylic acid-p-chlorophenylester 50 Oleic acid N-methyl-tauride 10 Silicic acid 3 Siliceous chalk 37 Example 18 G. 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxy acetic acid-isooctyl-ester 42 9-fiuorenol-9-carboxylic acid-allyl-ester l0 Petroleum 23 Xylene 20 Emulsifier 5 Example 19 G. 2-methyl-4--chlorophenoxy acetic acid-isooctyl-ester 42 9-fiuorenol-9-carboxylic acid-propargyl-ester 3 Polyoxyethylene-sorbitol-ester+alkylaryl sulfonate 5 Solvent naphtha 50 Example 20 4-chloro-Z-methyl-phenoxypropionic acid-butylglycolester 9 fluorenol-9-carboxylic acid-4-chloro-butynyl-(2)- ester 1 Alkylphenol polyglycol ether 10 Petroleum 45 Example 21 G. 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid-isopropyl-ester 42 9 fiuorenol-9carboxylic acid-p-chlorophenoxyethylester 10 Solvent naphtha 43 Emulsifier 5 Example 22 G Chloromethyl phenoxypropionic acid butylglycolester 30 2,7 dichloro-9-fluorenol-9-carboxy1ic acid-propargylester Oleic acid-N-methyl-tauride 8 Bentonite 68 15 Example 26 G. 2-chloro-4,6-bis-(ethylamino)-triazine 30 9-chloro-fiuorene-9-carboxylicacid-p-chlorophenylester J. Sulfite Waste liquor powder 20 Alkylnaphthalene sulfonate 0.5 Bole .26.5 Talc 20 Example 27 G. 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxy-butyric acid 20 9-fiuorenol-9-carboxylicacid-hydrazide 30 Sulfite waste liquor powder 19.5 Alkylnaphthalene sulfonate 0.5 Kaolin 30 Example 28 Water-soluble concentrate: Percent 9 fluorenol-9-carboxylic acid, dimethylamine salt I 40 Methanol 10 Water 50 Example 29 Water-soluble concentrate: Percent 2-chloro-9-fluorenol-9-carboxylic acid, ethanolamine salt 30 Water 70 Example 30 Water-soluble preparation: Percent 2,7 dichloro-9-fiuorenol-9-carboxylic acid, triethylamine salt 25 Ethanol Water 70 Example 31 Emulsion concentrate: Percent 9-fiuorenol-9-carboxylic acid, primene salt (mixture Of tert. C12H25NH2, tert. C13H2I1NH2 and tel't. C14H29NH2) Technical aromatic mixture, B.P. ISO-180 C. 55 Alkylolamine sulfonate 25 Example 32 Emusion concentrate: Percent 2-chloro-9-fluorenol-9 carboxylic acid, N-oleyl- 1,3-propylenediamine salt 25 Xylene 40 Alkylolamine sulfonate 25 Example 33 Emulsion concentrate.225 g. 9-fiuorenol-9-carboxylic acid are introduced into the solution of 200 g. technical cocoanut oil amine and 575 g. aromatic heavy naphtha and slowly heated until a clear solution is obtained. The thus-produced mixture can easily be put into a suitable form of application by additional quantities of oil (aromatic heavy naphtha, xylene, aliphatic oils, such as naphtha benzines, kerosene, petroleum) and emulsifiers.

Example 34 716 Example 35 1 'tert. C 3H NH and tertc H 'NH 25 Technical aromatic mixture 50 Alkylolamino sulfonate 15 Example 36 Spray powder: Kg.

2 chloro fiuorenol 9 carboxylic acid allyl ester 20 Maleic acid hydrazide 40 'Sulfite waste liquor powder 10 Alkylnaphthalene sulfonate 1 .-l Bole 29 i Exam le 37 I Emulsion concentrate: l

9-fluore'nol-9 carboxylic acid g 22.6 Soybean oil amine g 26.5 Alkylolamino sulfonate g 20 Solvent naphtha ml 100 Example 38 I, i V

Dusting agent: I Parts 2 chloro-9-fluorenol-9-carboxylic acid allyl 1 ester 1 Bolus 1 are ground together and are then mixed with Petroleum jelly oil 0L4 Fine sand 97.5

The preceding examples can be repeated with similar success by substituting the generically and specifically described reactants and operating conditions of this invention for those used in the preceding examples. I

From the foregoing description, one skilled in the" art can easily ascertain the essential characteristics of this invention, and without departing from the spirit and scope thereof can make various changes and modifications of the invention to adapt it to various usages and conditions. Consequently, such changes and modifications are properly, equitably, and intended to be, within the full range of equivalence of the following claims.

We claim:

1. A composition for retarding plant growth compris' ing a carrier and, as active ingredient not more than by Weight of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of compounds of the formula wherein:-

substituted by at least one member of the group consisting of 1-3 halogen atoms and 1-3 hydroxy groups; or alkyl ammonium cation whereinalkyl designates a member from the group consisting of aliphatic alkyl radicals of up to 22 carbon atoms; aliphatic alkyl radicals of up to 22 carbon atoms, having interposed in the chain 14 non-adjacent members selected from the group consisting of O, NH and mixtures thereof; and aliphatic alkyl radicals of up to 22 carbon atoms substituted by OH or NH;;; and aliphatic alkyl radicals of up to 22 carbon atoms having interposed in the chain 1-4 nonadjacent members selected from the group consisting of O, NH, and mixtures thereof and substituted by 1-4 members selected from the group consisting of OH and NI-I 2. A composition according to claim 1 wherein the active ingredient is 9-fluorenol-9-carboxylic acid dimethylamine salt.

3. A composition according to claim 1 wherein the active ingredient is 2-chloro-9-fluoreno1 9-carboxy1ic acid dimethylamine salt.

4. A composition according to claim 1 wherein the active ingredient is 2-ch1oro-9-fluorenol-9-carboxylic acid p-chlorophenoxyethyl ester.

5. A composition according to claim 1 wherein the active ingredient is 9-chlorofluorene-9-carboxylic acid dimethylamine salt.

6. A composition according to claim 1 wherein the active ingredient is 2-chloro-9-fiuorenol-9-carboxylic acid soybean oil amine salt.

7. A composition as defined by claim 1 wherein said active ingredient is 9-fluorenol-9-carboxylic acid allyl ester.

8. A- composition as defined by claim 1 wherein said active ingredient is 9-flu0renol-9-carboxylic acid propargyl ester.

9. A composition as defined by claim 1 wherein said active ingredient is 9-fluorenol-9-carboxylic acid-2',3-dichloro-allyl ester.

10. A composition as defined by claim 1 wherein said said active ingredient is 9-fiuorenol-9-carboxylic acid, the amine portion being of a tertiary alkyl of 12-18 carbon atoms.

11. A composition as defined by claim 1 wherein said active ingredient is 2-ch1oro-9-fluorenol-9-carboxylic acid allyl ester.

12. A composition as defined by claim 1 wherein said active ingredient is 2-chloro-9-fluorenol-9-carboxylic acid propargyl ester.

13;. A composition as defined by claim 1 wherein said active ingredient is 2-chloro-9-flu0renol-9 carboxylic acid- 2,3'rdichloroallyl-ester.

References Cited Plant Regulators, Chemical-Biological Coordination Center, Positive Data Series No. 2, June 1955, pp. b, c, 1, 30 and 31.

JAMES O. THOMAS, JR., Primary Examiner US. Cl. X.R. 

1. A COMPOSITION FOR RETARDING PLANT GROWTH COMPRISING A CARRIER AND AS ACTIVE INGREDIENT NOT MORE THAN 95% BY WEIGHT OF AT LEAST ONE COMPOUND SELECTED FROM THE GROUP CONSISTING OF COMPOUNDS OF THE FORMULA 